Multi-headed imaging probe and imaging system using same

ABSTRACT

A diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a display configured to display the images. The image acquisition component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition component.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/281,283 entitled “MULTI-HEADED IMAGING PROBE AND IMAGING SYSTEM USINGSAME” filed Oct. 25, 2011, which is a Continuation of and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/893,734 entitled“MULTI-HEADED IMAGING PROBE AND IMAGING SYSTEM USING SAME” filed Aug.17, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,043,221, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diagnostic imaging, and in particular, medical imaging may use differentimaging modalities to scan a patient or region of interest. For example,to perform an echography, a probe or transducer is placed in contactwith a patient's skin. Different probe geometries can be used during anexamination to optimize acquisition of images. However, using knownultrasound examination systems, a sonographer must perform additionalactions to change a probe during or between patient examinations to usedifferent probe geometries. The time and effort required to changeprobes can cause physical stress for the sonographer or patient andaffect the duration of a patient exam. To reduce these issues,additional connectors could be provided for each of the probes havingdifferent geometries. However, providing additional connectors increasesthe size and portability of the probes, which in many applications isundesirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a diagnosticimaging system is provided that includes an image acquisition component,a transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component totransmit a signal therefrom, and a beamformer operatively coupled to theimage acquisition component to receive image data therefrom. Alsoincluded is a processor configured to assemble images from the acquiredimage data and a display configured to display the images. The imageacquisition component includes a multi-headed probe that has a pluralityof transducers configured to permit a change of active transducersduring an imaging session without a change of the image acquisitioncomponent.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an imageacquisition device for an imaging apparatus is provided. The imagingacquisition device includes a multi-headed probe having plurality oftransducers each configured to provide a distinct and differentfunction.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, amethod for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient is provided. Themethod uses an ultrasound imaging system that has an image acquisitioncomponent encased in a disk-shaped case, a transmitter operativelycoupled to the image acquisition component to transmit a signaltherefrom, a beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisitioncomponent to receive image data therefrom, a processor configured toassemble images from the image data, and a display configured to displaythe images. The image acquisition component includes a multi-headedprobe that has a plurality of transducers configured to permit a changeof active transducers during an imaging session without a change ofimage acquisition component. The method includes pressing a first windowof the disk-shaped case corresponding to a first transducer of themulti-headed probe against the skin of the patient and rocking thedisk-shaped case back and forth on the patient's body during theexamination. The method further includes rotating the disk-shaped caseto select a second window of the disk-shaped case corresponding to asecond transducer of the multi-headed probe, and pressing and rockingthe second window of the disk-shaped case against the patient's bodyduring the examination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a diagnostic imaging system constructed inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system constructed inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a user interface constructed in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a multi-headed probe constructed in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cut-away drawing of a multi-headed probe case encasing aprobe in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a three-headed probe constructed in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of a probe case having multiple windows and encasinga three-headed probe, constructed in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of a probe case having one window encasing amulti-headed probe constructed in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a case for a two-headed probe constructed inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein one ofthe probe heads is wider than the other.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a portable ultrasound imaging system constructedin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a drawing of a hand-carried ultrasound imaging systemconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a drawing of a pocket-sized ultrasound imaging systemconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a front end of an ultrasoundimaging system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention including a multi-headed probe.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a front end of an ultrasoundimaging system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention having wireless functionality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent thatthe figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of variousembodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of thedivision between hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more ofthe functional blocks (e.g., processors or memories) may be implementedin a single piece of hardware (e.g., a general purpose signal processoror a block of random access memory, hard disk, or the like). Similarly,the programs may be stand alone programs, may be incorporated assubroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an installedsoftware package, and the like. It should be understood that the variousembodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalityshown in the drawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralof said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention arenot intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additionalembodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unlessexplicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having”an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property mayinclude additional such elements not having that property.

Various embodiments of the invention provide a diagnostic imaging system50 as shown in FIG. 1s. The diagnostic imaging system 50 may be any typeof system that uses a hand-held image acquisition component 52. Imagingsystem 50 is, for example, an ultrasound imaging system or a multi-modalimaging system. However, the various embodiment are not limited tomedical imaging systems or imaging systems for imaging human subjects,but may include non-medical systems for imaging non-human objects andfor performing non-destructive imaging or testing or security imaging(e.g., airport security screening), etc.

The diagnostic imaging system 50 includes an acquisition component 52configured to acquire image data (e.g., ultrasound image data). Theacquisition component 52 in embodiments of the present invention is, andis hereafter referred to as a multi-headed probe 52 for scanning orotherwise imaging an object or volume of interest. A “multi-headedprobe” is a single probe that includes a plurality of transducers, eachof which is physically separate from one another (and thus comprising aseparate “head”) that can be separately operated. For example, one ormore transducers are included on a single multi-headed probe 52. Themulti-headed probe 52 is operatively connected to an image processingcomponent 54. The image processing component 54 is any type of imageprocessor capable of processing image data acquired using any of theplurality of transducers. Image processing component 54 is alsooperatively coupled to a display component 56. The display component 56,which may be a controller, configures or formats the processed imagedata for display on a display screen 62. The display screen 62 may beany type of screen capable of displaying images, graphics, text, etc.For example, the display screen 62 may be a cathode ray tube (CRT)screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or a plasma screen, amongothers.

A processor 64 (e.g., computer) or other processing unit controls thevarious operations within the diagnostic imaging system 50. For example,the processor 64 may receive user inputs from a user interface 66 anddisplay requested image data or adjust the settings for the displayedimage data. For example, a user may provide inputs or settings to changethe image displayed or the display properties of the display screen 62.

In some embodiments, the diagnostic imaging system 50 is an ultrasoundsystem 100, such as is shown in the schematic block diagram in FIG. 2.The ultrasound system 100 includes one or more transmitters 102 thatdrive arrays of elements 104 (e.g., piezoelectric elements) within aselected transducer 106, 107 of multi-headed probe 52 to emit pulsedultrasonic signals into a body. A variety of geometries may be used. Theultrasonic signals are back-scattered from structures in the body, likeblood cells or muscular tissue, to produce echoes that return to theelements 104 of the selected transducer 106, 107. The echoes arereceived by a receiver 108. The received echoes are passed through abeamformer 110, which performs beamforming and outputs an RF signal. TheRF signal then passes through an RF processor 112. Alternatively, the RFprocessor 112 may include a complex demodulator (not shown) thatdemodulates the RF signal to form IQ data pairs representative of theecho signals. The RF or IQ signal data may then be routed directly to amemory 114 for storage.

The ultrasound system 100 also includes a processor module 116 toprocess the acquired ultrasound information (e.g., RF signal data or IQdata pairs) and prepare frames of ultrasound information for display ondisplay 118. The processor module 116 is adapted to perform one or moreprocessing operations according to a plurality of selectable ultrasoundmodalities on the acquired ultrasound information. Acquired ultrasoundinformation may be processed and displayed in real-time during ascanning session as the echo signals are received. Additionally oralternatively, the ultrasound information may be stored temporarily inmemory 114 during a scanning session and the processed and displayed inoff-line operation.

The processor module 116 is connected to a user interface 124 that maycontrol operation of the processor module 116 as explained below in moredetail. The display 118 includes one or more monitors that presentpatient information, including diagnostic ultrasound images to the userfor diagnosis and analysis. One or both of memory 114 and memory 122 maystore three-dimensional data sets of the ultrasound data, where such 3-Ddata sets are accessed to present 2-D and 3-D images. The images may bemodified and the display settings of the display 118 also manuallyadjusted using the user interface 124.

The system 100 may obtain volumetric data sets by various techniques(e.g., 3D scanning, real-time 3D imaging, volume scanning, 2D scanningwith transducers having positioning sensors, freehand scanning using aVoxel correlation technique, 2D or matrix array transducers and thelike). Transducer 106 or 107 is moved, such as along a linear or arcuatepath, while scanning a region of interest (ROI). At each linear orarcuate position, the transducer 106 or 107 obtains scan planes that arestored in the memory 114.

FIG. 3 illustrates the user interface 124 constructed in accordance withone embodiment of the invention. The user interface 124 includes akeyboard 126, a mouse 133, a touch screen 128, a series of soft keys 130proximate the touch screen 128, a trackball 132, view position buttons134, mode buttons 136 and control or operation keys 138. The soft keys126 are assigned different functions on the touch screen 128 dependingupon a selected examination mode, stage of examination and the like. Thetrackball 132 and keys 138 are used to control the display of images onthe display 124 and control various options, for example, zoom, rotate,viewing mode, examination mode, etc. For example, the view positionbuttons 134 may change different views of the displayed image.Optionally, the view position buttons 134 may be implemented as touchareas 129 on the touch screen 128. As a further option, the size,position and orientation of the displayed image may be controlledpartially or entirely by touch areas provided on the touch screen 128and/or by the soft keys 130.

The user interface 124 also includes other controls, such as a savecommand/option 140 and a restore command/option 142 to save or restorecertain image characteristics or changes to the displayed image.However, it should be noted that the various controls may be used toadjust or control different settings, display options, etc. For example,the user interface 124 may include a brightness control button 144 thatallows a user to manually adjust screen brightness and a contrastcontrol button 146 that allows a user to manually adjust screencontrast. For example, the brightness control button 144 may be used toenter a brightness control mode that allows a user to increase ordecrease the brightness of the display 118 (shown in FIG. 2) using thetouch areas 129 that may display up and down arrows to indicatebrightness increase and brightness decrease, respectively. The contrastcontrol button 146 likewise may be used to enter a contrast control modethat allows a user to increase or decrease the contrast of the display118, again using the touch areas, where the arrows now increase anddecrease screen contrast. The increasing or decreasing of the settingalternatively may be provided using other controls, such as moving thetrackball 132 up/down or left/right. Any suitable controls may beprovided to adjust the brightness or contrast, such as, roller wheels,dedicated toggles or buttons, etc.

In various embodiments, the functionalities of more than one probe areprovided in a single probe body or acquisition component 52. One or moresecondary heads (e.g., transducer 107) are added to a probe body (asdiscussed herein), forming a multi-headed probe 52 that provides a userwith the ability to switch between a plurality of heads 106, 107 havingdistinct functions (e.g., heads having curved of linear arrays, 2Dfunctions, and/or 3D functions). Multi-headed probe 52 facilitates rapidswitching between transducers 106 and 107 by allowing a switch to bemade with a simple rotation within a user's hand. The rotation can be ofthe multi-headed probe 52, itself, or of a multi-headed probe 52 insidea probe cover. Exam duration is reduced by eliminating or reducing theneed for an exchange of probes during an exam and the requirement of auser to make movements between a patient examination area and a remoteprobe holder area. It should be noted that a window for the multi-headedprobe 52 can be fixed (i.e., one window provided for each head, with themulti-headed probe fixed inside a probe cover) or adjustable, similar tothe diaphragm of a photo camera (with one window for several heads, andthe multi-headed probe rotatable within the probe cover).

FIG. 4 is a drawing of one embodiment of a multi-headed probe 52.Multi-headed probe 52 comprises two physically separated transducers 106and 107, each having one or more transducer elements 104, not visible inFIG. 4. Each of the physically separated transducers 106 and 107 iscovered by a separate window 200 and 202, respectively, with each windowsuitable for transmission of ultrasound emissions from transducerelements 104 into a patient's body and receiving echoes. For example,and not by way of limitation, windows 200 and 202 may comprise a clearacrylic resin, such as PLEXIGLAS®, which is pressed against a patient'sbody over a layer of sonogram gel. Also for example, and not by way oflimitation, window 200 may cover a curved array of transducer elements104 and window 202 may cover a linear array of transducer elements 104.In some embodiments of the present invention, multi-headed probe 52 isrotated until the desired transducer 106 or 107 is positioned proximatethe patient, and the appropriate window 200 or 202 is pressed againstthe patient's body. In some embodiments of the present invention, tocontrol whether transducer 106 or 107 is electrically activated, buttons204 and 206, respectively, are provided on multi-headed probe 52.Buttons 204 and 206 can be located in a position that is easily reachedby a user's hand while holding probe body 201. Furthermore, LEDs 208 and210 (or another suitable type of visible or audible signaling device ordevices) are provided in some embodiments to provide a visual indicationof whether transducer 106 or 107, respectively, is activated.

To facilitate connection of transducers 106 and 107 with an imagingsystem 50, one embodiment of the present invention provides a singlecable 212 for connection to imaging system 50 (shown in FIG. 1). Imagingsystem 50 is configured to receive a signal via cable 212 that dependsupon whether button 204 or 206 is depressed. In response, imaging system50 addresses transducers 106 and 107 (and/or respective elements 104),also via cable 212. If LEDs 208 and 210 are present, the appropriate LEDis illuminated to indicate which transducer 106 or 107 is active.

In some embodiments, for additional ease in handling, cable 212 is verythin and comprises very thin wires (e.g., thin diameter or thin strandedwires) that are more flexible and less likely to tangle or obstructduring use. The cable 212 may be, for example, the type used forheadphones of MP3 players, rather than the thick cable that is used withpreviously known single-head probes. In yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, a standard computer cable (such as a USB cable) isused as a connection between probe body 52 and imaging system 50 tofacilitate the connection of multi-headed probe 52 to various types ofpersonal computer-based imaging systems. In yet other embodiments, abattery (not shown) is provided in multi-headed probe 52. The batterymay be a lithium ion rechargeable battery. The battery also powers awireless transceiver (for example, and not by way of limitation, aBLUETOOTH® wireless transceiver) which takes the place of a wiredconnection between multi-headed probe 52 and imaging system 50, exceptthat the battery rather than the wired connection provides power tooperate either transducer 106 or 107 and LEDs 208 and 210, if present.

The present invention does not exclude embodiments in which a pluralityof different connection modalities can be used between multi-headedprobe 52 and imaging system 50. For example, multi-headed probe 52 canbe provided with both a cable 212 and a BLUETOOTH wireless transceiverto facilitate connection of multi-headed probe 52 to a plurality ofdifferent imaging systems 50 and/or ease a transition between cabled andwireless instrumentation environments.

FIG. 5 is a cut-away drawing of a multi-headed probe case 300 in anotherembodiment of the present invention. Probe case 300 comprises anysuitable material such as a non-conductive plastic. Multi-headed probe52 is encased in case 300 having windows (e.g., PLEXIGLAS windows) 302and 304 that coincide with windows 200 and 202, respectively. Probe case300 may also include an opening 302 through which a cable from the probebody 55 exits. Probe case 300 may also include other openings throughwhich buttons 204 and 206 (or one or more equivalent switches by whichthe functions of buttons 204 and 206 may be accessed) may be pressedand/or an electrical connection with probe body 55 or imaging system 50to external buttons for performing the same function on case 300. Ifopenings are provided, they may be covered, for example, by a flexiblerubber covering to prevent dust, dirt, and liquids from entering probecase 300 and/or probe body 55. If LEDs 208 and 210 are provided, theLEDs 208 and 210 may be provided on probe body 55 and made visible byadditional clear windows on probe body 55. In another embodiment, LEDs208 and 210 are on probe ease 300 and are electrically connected toprobe body 55 and/or imaging system 50.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a three-headed probe 53 similar to two-headedprobe 52 of FIG. 5, but having three transducers 106, 107, and 109. Todistinguish between a two-headed probe and a three-headed probe, theformer is referred to as a multi-headed probe 52 and the latter asthree-headed probe 53. Both types of probes, as well as probes with morethan three heads, are considered to be multi-headed acquisition devicessuitable for use with an imaging system 50. Each transducer 106, 107,and 109 includes a plurality of elements 104, not shown individually inFIG. 6. Three-headed probe 53 illustrates that embodiments of thepresent invention are not limited to probe bodies having only twotransducer heads. Instead, embodiments of the present invention mayinclude any number of heads, limited only by the size of the heads andthe practicality of holding and using a probe large enough to hold theselected number of heads. Like numerals represent like parts as shownand described in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of a probe case 400 encasing a multi-headed probe,for example, three-headed probe 53, in one embodiment of the presentinvention. Probe case 400, which comprises any suitable material such asa non-conductive plastic, is essentially disk-shaped. However, in someembodiments, case 400 includes a thumb rest or depression 402 tofacilitate holding case 400 by providing a fixed and stable position fora user's hand 404. A thumb rest 402 may be provided in one or both sidesof case 400. In the illustrated embodiment, an index finger 406 of theuser rests on a button 408 that controls the transmission and capturingof information from the multi-headed probe inside case 400. Button 408is provided to start acquisition and to freeze the acquisition of apicture acquired by an imaging apparatus 50. Button 408 is not requiredto be on case 400 (or on the probe, for that matter), however, as insome embodiments of the present invention that include a similarfunction, button 408 (or another suitable control) is positioneddirectly on imaging apparatus 50 (shown in FIG. 1) itself.

In one embodiment, case 400 has a number of windows appropriatelypositioned and equal to the number of transducers on the encasedmulti-headed probe, for example, three windows 410, 412, and 414 (notdirectly visible in FIG. 7, but indicated by position) for each of thethree transducers 106, 107, and 109, respectively, of three-headed probe53. Windows 410, 412, and 414 may be plastic or PLEXIGLAS windows, forexample, positioned to coincide with transducers 106, 107, and 109,respectively.

To use this embodiment of the present invention, a sonograph gel isspread on a portion of patient's body where a sonogram is to be taken.An appropriate one of the three windows 410, 412, or 414, correspondingto a selected transducer 106, 107, or 109 having a desired shape, ispressed against the skin of the patient where the sonograph gel wasspread. Case 400 is rocked back and forth on the patient's body asneeded during the examination. When a differently shaped transducer isneeded during the exam, the user rotates case 400 until the window forthe desired transducer shape is in position to press against the skin ofthe patient.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of a probe case 401 encasing a multi-headed probe,for example, three-headed probe 53, in another configuration of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, case 401 has only one window 410,and probe 53 is rotated inside case 401 to position a selectedtransducer 106, 107, or 109 against window 410 inside probe case 401. Acrank 420 or other suitable mechanical or electromechanical means (e.g.,rotating knob) is used to rotate three-headed probe 53 inside probe case401 in the illustrated embodiment.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, buttons 204, 206,and 207 can be provided to activate a particular transducer 106, 107, or109, and LEDs 208, 210, and 211 can be provided to indicate whichtransducer 106, 107, or 109, respectively, is active. The buttons and/orLEDs may be provided on case 400 or 401 or on probe 53 in a mannersimilar to that discussed above with respect to the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 4 and/or 5 and the additional embodiments discussedin the text in connection therewith. Also, cable 212 may be a standardinstrumentation cable or a thin cable, as discussed above, and/or probe53 and imaging device 50 may communicate wirelessly, for example, via aBLUETOOTH connection, with space provided inside case 401 for arechargeable or non-rechargeable battery.

A donut-like ease 403 need not require that a three-headed probe 53 beencased therein. FIG. 9, for example, is an illustration of a case 403suitable for a two-headed probe 52 wherein one of the probe heads iswider than the other. A widened portion 422 of case 400 is provided toaccommodate the widened portion of the probe.

Embodiments of the present invention may, for example, be implemented inan imaging system 50 such as a portable imaging system 145 (e.g.,portable ultrasound system) provided on a movable base 147, as shown inFIG. 10. Manual screen adjustment controls 150 (e.g., brightness andcontrast controls) are provided on the display 118. It should beunderstood that the display 118 may be separate or separable from theuser interface 124. The user interface 124 may optionally be atouchscreen, allowing the user to select options by touching displayedgraphics, icons, and the like.

The user interface 124 of FIG. 10 also includes other optional controlbuttons 152 that may be used to control the portable imaging system 145as desired or needed, and/or as typically provided. The user interface124 provides multiple interface options that the user may physicallymanipulate to interact with ultrasound data and other data that may bedisplayed, as well as to input information and set and change scanningparameters. The interface options may be used for specific inputs,programmable inputs, contextual inputs, and the like. Different types ofphysical controls are provided as different physical actions are moreintuitive to the user for accomplishing specific system actions and thusachieving specific system responses.

For example, multi-function controls 160 are positioned proximate to thedisplay 118 and provide a plurality of different physical states. Forexample, a single multi-function control may provide movementfunctionality of a clockwise/counterclockwise (CW/CCW) rotary, up/downtoggle, left/right toggle, other positional toggle, and on/off orpushbutton, thus allowing a plurality of different states, such as eightor twelve different states. Different combinations are possible and arenot limited to those discussed herein. Optionally, less than eightstates may be provided, such as CW/CCW rotary functionality with atleast two toggle positions, such as up/down toggle and/or left/righttoggle. Optionally, at least two toggle positions may be provided withpushbutton functionality. The multi-function controls 160 may beconfigured, for example, as joystick rotary controls.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be provided in connectionwith an imaging system 50 such as a hand carried imaging system 170, asshown in FIG. 11, wherein the display 118 and user interface 124 form asingle unit. The hand carried imaging system 170 may be, for example, ahandheld or hand carried ultrasound imaging device, such as aminiaturized ultrasound system. As used herein, “miniaturized” meansthat the ultrasound system is a handheld or hand carried device or isconfigured to be carried in a person's hand, pocket, briefcase-sizedcase, or backpack. For example, the hand carried imaging system 170 maybe a hand carried device having a size of a typical laptop computer, forinstance, having dimensions of approximately 2.5 inches in depth,approximately 14 inches in width, and approximately 12 inches in height.The hand carried imaging system 170 may weigh about ten pounds.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be provided in connectionwith an imaging system 50 such as pocket-sized imaging system 176, asshown in FIG. 12, wherein the display 118 and user interface 124 form asingle hand held unit. By way of example, the pocket-sized imagingsystem 176 may be a pocket-sized or hand-sized ultrasound systemapproximately 2 inches wide, approximately 4 inches in length, andapproximately 0.5 inches in depth and weigh less than 3 ounces. Thepocket-sized imaging system 176 generally includes the display 118, userinterface 124, which may include a keyboard and an input/output (I/O)port for connection to an acquisition device, for example, amulti-headed ultrasound probe 52. The display 118 may be, for example, a320×320 pixel color LCD display (on which a medical image 190 may bedisplayed). A typewriter-like keyboard 180 of buttons 182 may beincluded in the user interface 124. Multi-function controls 184 may eachbe assigned functions in accordance with the mode of system operation aspreviously discussed. As each of the multi-function controls 184 may beconfigured to provide a plurality of different physical actions, themapping of system response to intuitive physical action may be improvedwithout requiring additional space. Label display areas 186 associatedwith the multi-function controls 184 may be included as necessary on thedisplay 118. The device may also have additional keys and/or controls188 for special purpose functions, which may include, but are notlimited to “freeze,” “depth control,” “gain control,” “color-mode,”“print,” and “store.”

FIG. 13 is a block schematic diagram of an embodiment of a front end ofan ultrasound imaging system of the present invention, including amulti-headed probe 52. In this particular embodiment, two transmitters103 are provided, one for each transducer 106, 107, respectively, inprobe 52, to pulse elements 104. The outputs of the transmitters are fedinto a multiplexer 440, which is used to select which of transducers 106or 107 is to be pulsed. The pulse output is sent through wire 212 to amultiplexer/demultiplexer 442 inside case 400, and from there, to theappropriate transducer 106 or 107 inside probe 52. Echoes are receivedby the same transducer and sent through multiplexer/demultiplexer 442 sothat the output can be returned on the same cable 212 to a beamformer110. Signals transmitted over cable 212 need not be digital signals, butmay instead be analog signals, if analog to digital (A/D) converters anddigital to analog (D/A) converters are provided in imaging apparatus 50and/or probe 52 where circuitry requires such conversions.

FIG. 14 is a block schematic diagram of a wireless embodiment of a frontend of an ultrasound imaging system of the present invention. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 14 is similar to that shown in FIG. 13, exceptthat BLUETOOTH transceivers 430 and 432 are used to eliminate cable 212.

In some embodiments, elements 104 in transducer 106 and 107 form twoseparate address spaces and do not require the two transmitters and/or amultiplexer as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14.

It should be noted that the various embodiments may be implemented inconnection with miniaturized imaging systems having differentdimensions, weights, and power consumption. In some embodiments, thepocket-sized ultrasound system may provide the same functionality as thesystem 100 (shown in FIG. 1).

The various embodiments and/or components, for example, the monitor ordisplay, or components and controllers therein, also may be implementedas part of one or more computers or processors. The computer orprocessor may include a computing device, an input device, a displayunit and an interface, for example, for accessing the Internet. Thecomputer or processor may include a microprocessor. The microprocessormay be connected to a communication bus. The computer or processor mayalso include a memory. The memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM)and Read Only Memory (ROM). The computer or processor further mayinclude a storage device, which may be a hard disk drive or a removablestorage drive such as a floppy disk drive, optical disk drive, and thelike. The storage device may also be other similar means for loadingcomputer programs or other instructions into the computer or processor.

As used herein, the term “computer” may include any processor-based ormicroprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers,reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit orprocessor capable of executing the functions described herein. The aboveexamples are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in anyway the definition and/or meaning of the term “computer”.

The computer or processor executes a set of instructions that are storedin one or more storage elements, in order to process input data. Thestorage elements may also store data or other information as desired orneeded. The storage element may be in the form of an information sourceor a physical memory element within a processing machine.

The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct thecomputer or processor as a processing machine to perform specificoperations such as the methods and processes of the various embodimentsof the invention. The set of instructions may be in the form of asoftware program. The software may be in various forms such as systemsoftware or application software. Further, the software may be in theform of a collection of separate programs, a program module within alarger program or a portion of a program module. The software also mayinclude modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming.The processing of input data by the processing machine may be inresponse to user commands, or in response to results of previousprocessing, or in response to a request made by another processingmachine.

As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable,and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by acomputer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory,and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types areexemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memoryusable for storage of a computer program.

At least one technical effect of the various embodiments is tofacilitate rapid switching between heads by allowing a switch of probeheads to be made with a simple rotation within user's hand. Multi-headedprobe embodiments are cost effective by sharing a same electronic,connector, cable or wireless connection. Embodiments of the presentinvention are also time-efficient for sonographers by eliminatingprobe-exchange related actions during the examination procedure.Embodiments of the present invention also improve user comfort byreducing the risk of physical stress related to the repetition ofprobe-exchange related actions and some embodiments also provide areduction of connectors and cables, thereby clearing space for operatorsto move their legs. Some configurations of the present invention arealso fully portable, and/or permit a sonographer to acquire images usingone or more types of probes (for example, and not by way of limitation,curved and linear arrays, 2D and 3D probes) directly at a patient bed ina hospital, or outside the hospital in an emergency situation. In someembodiments, one multi-headed probe replaces two or more probes duringan ultrasound examination procedure, keeping the physical end-shapeprofile of a plurality of different types of probes and optimizing theirpositioning on patient, thereby preserving image quality.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other to create new embodiments of the present invention, and notall features shown in the illustrated embodiments need necessarily bepresent to make use of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Whilethe dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended todefine the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limitingand are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Thescope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with referenceto the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms“including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents ofthe respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in thefollowing claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. areused merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numericalrequirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the followingclaims are not written in means-plus-function format and are notintended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph,unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “meansfor” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A diagnostic imaging system comprising: an image acquisition component configured to provide image data; a processor configured to assemble images from said image data; and a display configured to display said images; wherein said image acquisition component comprises: a multi-headed probe having a single probe body having at least first and second windows in the single probe body; and at least first and second transducer heads in the single probe body and covered by the corresponding first and second windows for transmission of ultrasound and receiving echoes; wherein the first and second windows are located at fixed positions within the single probe body and are physically separated from one another such that, when one of the first and second windows is positioned against a patient at a region of interest (ROI), the other of the first and windows is not positioned against the patient.
 2. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first and second transducer heads are configured to provide distinct and different functions such that the first transducer head is active when the second transducer head is inactive.
 3. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first and second transducer heads are different types of transducers.
 4. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the multi-headed probe is one of a two-headed probe and a three-headed probe.
 5. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the probe body is elongated with the first and second transducer heads located at opposite ends of the probe body.
 6. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first transducer head includes a curved array of transducer elements and the second transducer head includes a linear array of transducer elements.
 7. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said probe body includes at least one button, configured to be operated by a user and configured to switch an active one of the first and second transducer heads and an inactive one of the first and second transducer heads.
 8. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein only one of the first and second transducer heads is active during a scanning session.
 9. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the probe body includes at least one of a visible and audible signaling device to provide at least one of a visual and audible indication, of which one of the first and second transducer heads is active.
 10. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a probe case encasing the multi-headed probe, said probe case having case windows at opposed scanning ends of the probe case, the case windows coinciding with the first and second windows and transducer heads in the single probe body.
 11. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said multi-headed probe includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one of said processor and said display.
 12. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said probe body includes at least one of a button configured to start and to freeze acquisition of an image, a button configured to select one of said first and second transducer heads on said probe for activation, and a visual or audible signaling device configured to signal which one of said transducers has been selected for activation.
 13. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first and second transducer heads each perform a different one of a 2D function, 3D function, curved array function and linear array function.
 14. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said processor and said display are enclosed in a portable imaging system weighing about 10 pounds.
 15. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said processor and said display are enclosed in a portable imaging system weighing between about 10 pounds and about 3 ounces.
 16. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the display is a touch screen display.
 17. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the multi-headed probe wirelessly communicates with a portable imaging system.
 18. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first and second transducer heads are fixed in position and orientation with respect to one another in the probe body.
 19. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a standard computer cable, the image acquisition component in the multi-head probe configured to communicate with at least one of the processor and the display through the computer cable.
 20. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the single probe body is elongated with opposed first and second ends, the first and second windows and transducer heads located at the first and second ends, respectively.
 21. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the single probe body is elongated and a probe cable is joined to the single probe body at a location that is approximately equal distance between the first and second windows.
 22. The imaging system of claim 21, wherein the at least first and second transducer heads consist of only two transducer heads.
 23. A diagnostic ultrasound multi-head probe, comprising: a single probe body having at least first and second windows in the single probe body; and at least first and second transducer heads in the single probe body and covered by the corresponding first and second windows, respectively, for transmission of ultrasound and receiving echoes; wherein the first and second windows are located at fixed positions within the single probe body and are physically separated from one another such that, when one of the first and second windows is positioned against a patient at a region of interest (ROI), the other of the first and windows is not positioned against the patient.
 24. The probe of claim 23, wherein the multi-headed probe is one of a two-headed probe and a three-headed probe.
 25. The probe of claim 23, wherein the probe body is elongated with the first and second transducer heads located at opposite ends of the probe body.
 26. The probe of claim 23, wherein the first transducer head includes a curved array of transducer elements and the second transducer head includes a linear array of transducer elements.
 27. The probe of claim 23, wherein said probe body includes at least one button, configured to be operated by a user and configured to switch an active one of the first and second transducer heads and an inactive one of the first and second transducer heads.
 28. The probe of claim 23, wherein the probe body includes at least one of a visible and audible signaling device to provide at least one of a visual and audible indication, of which one of the first and second transducer heads is active.
 29. The probe of claim 23, wherein the single probe body is elongated with opposed first and second ends, the first and second windows and transducer heads located at the first and second ends, respectively.
 30. The probe of claim 23, wherein the single probe body is elongated and a probe cable is joined to the single probe body at a location that is approximately equal distance between the first and second windows.
 31. The probe of claim 23, wherein the at least first and second transducer heads consist of only two transducer heads. 